How Do I Get a FAFSA PIN?

Apply for your PIN. Complete your FAFSA. Receive your SAR.

 

For all the acronyms, it's a pretty straightforward process if you take the time to see it through. After all, millions of students just like you apply successfully each year. So, go ahead. Apply. The results may surprise and delight you. We've set everything up so you can apply and check the progress of your application online. (Although you can still do it the conventional way if you choose.)

 

In the case of student loans, there are a few points we should make up front. One, interest rates are far lower than those for commercial loans because the federal government subsidizes them. Repayment terms are liberal and in most instances you don't begin to repay until you leave school. And if you’re worried about your credit history disqualifying you, don't!!! … because the amount of your aid depends entirely on your financial need not your past history with creditors. So … you can go for it, or you can hang back. The how-to is right here, but you have to supply the drive.

 

What is a PIN and what is it used for?

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is an electronic access code number that serves as your personal identifier.

 

Your PIN allows you to:

  • Apply online for federal student aid, using FAFSA on the Web.
  • "Sign" your application electronically and complete the student aid process completely online - no paper is involved.
  • If you're a dependent student and one of your parents has a PIN, he or she can sign the application electronically online as well.
  • Make online corrections to your FAFSA.
  • Access your Student Aid Report* and make online corrections to it.
  • "Sign" a master Promissory Note* for a federal student loan.
  • Access your federal student aid records online, including your student loan history information on NSLDS.
 

Should I get a PIN if I'm not applying online?

We encourage you to apply online because that process is much faster and easier. The electronic application process has edits built into it that dramatically reduces the chance for errors. That saves you time and trouble. But, even if you don't apply online, you can use a PIN later to:

  • Look up your processed FAFSA data online.
  • Make online corrections to your application information.
  • Complete your renewal FAFSA online.
 

How and when should I get a PIN?

Go to www.pin.ed.gov as soon as possible—don't wait until you're ready to apply for federal student aid. You should request your PIN before you complete your FAFSA on the Web application. If you're a dependent student, your parents should request a PIN also, so you and your parent can electronically sign your FAFSA on the Web before it's submitted. That way, you'll get your results much faster.

 

When requesting a PIN, you must provide your name (as it appears on your Social Security card), your Social Security number, date of birth, mailing address, and e-mail address (if you have one). After this information has been verified with the Social Security Administration’s records, a PIN will be generated. If you provide an e-mail address, you'll get an e-mail response that contains a link to your PIN in 1-3 days. We encourage you to add our e-mail address, FederalStudentAidPIN@cpsemail.ed.gov, to your e-mail address book to help prevent e-mail delivery problems. If you don't provide an e-mail address, you'll receive your PIN through regular mail in 7-10 days.

 

Is going to the Web site the only way I can get a PIN?

No. When you submit your FAFSA, (either online or paper), if certain personal data such as your Social Security number and date of birth match Social Security Administration records, they will send you a PIN automatically. However, we encourage you to apply for a PIN early, you'll speed up the application process by not having to wait to receive your PIN to electronically sign your application.

 

What if I have questions about the PIN?

Go to www.pin.ed.gov

 

Go to www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov or,

 

Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

 

Can I get a PIN from the Federal Student Aid Information Center?

No. You can only request a PIN online.